A decade after its founding in Oslo, Norwegian suit maker Cavour has established itself as a distinctive presence in the country’s menswear market, attracting a diverse clientele that includes financiers, celebrities, and political leaders. Since its launch in 2016 by brothers Richard and Sebastian Scharnke, the brand has focused on delivering high-quality tailoring inspired by Italian luxury, but at prices below typical European levels.
Cavour’s flagship store, located in central Oslo, has become a hub for professionals seeking sharply cut suits crafted from premium fabrics sourced from Italy, the UK, Japan, and China. The company produces more than 30 styles, with each piece handmade in partnership with a Chinese manufacturer identified for exceptional craftsmanship. The suits generally retail for under £1,000, excluding made-to-measure options.
Among its clientele are figures from Norway’s business and cultural elite. Morten Bjornson, a partner at Boston Consulting Group, describes Cavour as his preferred tailor, praising the brand’s attention to detail such as soft shoulders and high armholes. The brand also counts actor Stellan Skarsgård, known for the Academy Award-winning film Sentimental Value, and Norwegian actor Christian Rubeck, who received a complimentary suit ahead of his Cannes Film Festival appearance, among its patrons.
Cavour has attracted high-profile followers beyond entertainment, including Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, who has purchased suits from the label. Internationally recognized footballer Erling Haaland has also been seen wearing Cavour, styled by celebrity fashion consultant Emina Mahmujlin, who endorses the brand for its exceptional service and quality textile offerings.
The Scharnke brothers’ vision for Cavour was driven by a desire to serve “modern gentlemen” who value quality, fit, and craftsmanship but do not wish to pay traditional luxury prices. Their global search for manufacturing partners led them to China, where they found artisans capable of producing fine tailoring on a larger scale. The sourcing strategy extends to luxury fabric mills such as Vitale Barberis Canonico, Loro Piana, and Drago, known for their premium textiles.
Though Cavour remains predominantly focused on the Norwegian market, it has experienced growing demand in the United Kingdom via online sales. Plans are underway to reopen a London presence, following a brief showroom stint in Mayfair that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financially, Cavour posted £5.5 million in sales last year and anticipates exceeding £6.5 million in 2026. The brand aims to expand beyond formalwear, recently debuting a golf-inspired athleisure line reflecting co-founder Sebastian’s personal interests. Under the leadership of CEO Nathalie Scharnke, who has a background in strategic management and is the founders’ sister, Cavour has refocused exclusively on menswear since discontinuing its women’s line in 2023.
Part of the company’s ongoing strategy is to educate customers about quality tailoring, a knowledge area it says has diminished over time. Nathalie Scharnke noted that understanding what defines a well-made suit has traditionally been passed down across generations, but much of this expertise has been lost in modern times. Cavour positions itself as a brand reviving this heritage for today’s consumer.